Media Alert

YRMC Announces Decision to Develop a Comprehensive Community-Based Cancer Program

(October 14, 2011 – Yuma, AZ)– Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) is pleased to announce the decision to develop a comprehensive community-based cancer program. The vision to develop this program began over three years ago, with an in-depth analysis that included focus group sessions and interviews with cancer patients, physicians and community members.

Yuma native and breast cancer survivor Donna Phipps served as an important contributor in the early focus group sessions. “I am pleased to have been a part of creating this vision,” she said. “As a breast cancer survivor, I can tell you that we need an “at home” total care program.”

The long-term goal of the cancer program will be to provide patients with a new level of coordinated care while integrating the area’s current efforts to develop a superior cancer center, which is projected to open in the second half of 2013.

The program is a collaborative effort between physicians, community members and YRMC leadership, and will be led by a newly formed YRMC Community Cancer Center Board. Chaired by long-time community leader Woody Martin, the board’s main function is to ensure our community has access to leading edge cancer care.

“This announcement represents a great day for all people in Yuma County who are touched by cancer,” said Martin.

The new cancer program will deliver an unprecedented level of cancer care to Yuma and aims to build on our existing availability of clinical expertise. “Many serving on this board have been directly affected by cancer – they bring tremendous passion, commitment and direct knowledge. I am excited about the opportunity to work with them to create a top notch cancer program,” added Martin.

The new cancer center will be more than just a place for cancer treatment – in addition to high quality clinical care, patients and families will have central access to emotional and physical support, education and guidance.

“We recognize that cancer is far more than a physical diagnosis – it affects the lives of families and patients in so many other ways – financial, emotional and spiritual,” said Camie Overton, YRMC Vice President, Clinical Service Lines.

Nearly 700 Yuma residents are diagnosed with cancer each year. This program aims to ensure that the care and support they need is available close to home.